In a world increasingly dominated by digital communication, young Australians facing family violence often struggle to find the help they need. With over 40% of children under 16 witnessing domestic abuse, traditional support systems, which largely cater to adults, fail to provide accessible channels for youth. A new initiative from Safe Steps, a Victorian family support service, aims to bridge this gap with the introduction of a ‘support multiverse’—a digital platform designed to meet young people where they are.
The Challenge of Communication
Recent research indicates that a significant number of young people, particularly those aged 16 to 29, are uncomfortable making phone calls; a staggering 30% report anxiety around picking up the phone. Yet, many existing support mechanisms for young victims of abuse still predominantly rely on helplines. This disconnect raises critical concerns about the efficacy of these systems for the very demographics they aim to serve.
Suzanne Paynter, Safe Steps’ Group Director of Business Growth, underscores the necessity of listening to young voices in the development of support systems. “We don’t want to continue creating frameworks that are designed by adults for adults,” she asserts. Safe Steps caters to a large number of young individuals, with 43% of its clients being children or young people accompanying adults in crisis. Paynter highlights the urgency of clarifying pathways to support for these vulnerable groups.
The Support Multiverse Initiative
The proposed support multiverse aims to create a welcoming digital environment where young people can access help through familiar platforms like social media, online gaming, and messaging apps. Paynter advocates for a collaborative approach, emphasising the need for genuine co-design with youth to ensure the platform resonates with their experiences and communication styles.
Cristyn Davies, a senior research fellow at the University of Sydney, echoes this sentiment, stating that a youth-friendly digital platform could unlock earlier and safer access to support. “For those feeling isolated or afraid, this could be a lifeline,” she explains. Davies notes that the success of such initiatives depends on integrating strong youth co-design and ensuring that information is both developmentally appropriate and accessible.
The Risks of Digital Isolation
Despite the potential benefits of the support multiverse, there are concerns regarding the recent social media ban for under-16s, which could inadvertently sever young people from critical resources and connections. For many adolescents, social media serves as a primary source of support and information. Davies warns that while digital entry points are essential, they must be accompanied by substantial investment in offline, trauma-informed services to create comprehensive pathways to safety.
Professor Cathy Humphreys from the University of Melbourne emphasises the need for real-world support structures alongside digital solutions. She points out a significant funding gap for services aimed at children and young people escaping domestic violence, stating, “It’s alarming that many refuges lack specialised workers for children, despite them being a large proportion of the service users.”
Bridging the Gap in Support Services
The lack of adequate funding for youth-specific services highlights a broader systemic issue. Young people, particularly those who have become disconnected from their families, find themselves navigating a landscape devoid of sufficient support. In Australia, there is an urgent need for dedicated resources to help these young survivors not just survive, but thrive.
The national family violence counselling service remains a crucial resource, reachable at 1800 737 732, while further international support can be accessed via www.befrienders.org. These traditional channels, however, must evolve to meet the needs of a generation that communicates and seeks help in fundamentally different ways.
Why it Matters
Addressing the barriers that young Australians face in seeking help for domestic violence is not merely a matter of convenience; it is a pressing social justice issue. The proposed support multiverse represents a vital step toward creating a more inclusive and responsive system that acknowledges the unique challenges faced by youth. By prioritising their voices and leveraging digital spaces they already inhabit, we can foster a culture of support that empowers young survivors and helps dismantle the stigma surrounding domestic abuse.
